About the Knights of Columbus

Who are the Knights?

The Knights of Columbus is the world's
largest Catholic family fraternal service organization, with 1.6 million
members. The Knights of Columbus gives members and their families
opportunities to serve the Catholic Church, their communities, and each
other.

Many people think of men in tuxedoes
and feathered hats when they think of the Knights of Columbus. These
tuxedoed Knights are the 4th Degree, a part of Knights of Columbus whose
primary purpose is to foster a spirit of patriotism. More about them
later.

Membership Benefits

As a member of the Knights of Columbus,
members and their families enjoy many benefits, including 12 issues
annually of the Columbia magazine, the world's largest Catholic family
magazine. Knights of Columbus members also may join the K.C. top-ranked
life insurance program.

How to Join

Membership in the Knights of Columbus
is open to practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are
at least 18 years old. A practicing Catholic is one who lives up to the
Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. For information
about joining the Sauk Centre area Knights of Columbus, call
Dennis Boeckers
at 320 351 5065 (Sauk Centre) or email him at dmboeckers@hotmail.com.

4th Degree

Fourth Degree Knights, in their
tuxedoes and feathered hats, are probably the most visible part of the
Knights of Columbus.

Any Third Degree member in good
standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is
eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the
Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism. Fourth Degree
members do so by promoting
responsible citizenship and a love of, and loyalty to, the Knights.
respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree
groups (called "assemblies"). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve
as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has
brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.